The weekend of May 4-5 we made a trip home to Cape Girardeau for Lucy's baptism. Our time at home was such a blessing to us. Lucy was baptized at LaCroix, witnessed by many people who helped Anthony and I grow in faith and still support us generously, surrounded by all of her aunts, uncles, and grandparents, and baptized by her grandpa. It was a time where we felt so overwhelmed by how rich Lucy is already in her life - to be surrounded by so many who love and care for her.
For Anthony and I, baptizing Lucy was us publicly declaring that we will raise her in a home that is centered on the Lord and that we can't do this alone! We need the help of our family and friends to walk this journey with us.
I have been thinking a lot about what it looks like for me to raise my children in this generation, where the culture is so different from the one I grew up in. It will no longer be respected to be Christian, and it will not be an easy path. If our children only know the diluted version of Christianity they will fall away when any trouble comes. And we don't want to raise more lukewarm Christians - We want our kids to not just say they know the Lord but to truly know Him and follow Him. The Lord has been teaching me that we have to be part of a culture at home that is stronger than the culture of the world. I have been reflecting on a quote from a book titled, Heavenly Party: "Perhaps we need to concentrate instead on providing them [our children] with a feel for a 'Christian way of life' that is so full of wonder and glory that wherever they go, whatever befalls, they will associate their best, their happiest memories with the celebration of their faith. And then perhaps, if they do decide to turn away from their heritage, they'll never quite find the unalloyed joy of those magical moments in anything else, and will return to it in the end".
I believe that living life this way is possible but I know we can't do it alone! The culture of the world is too strong. I am so confident that Christian community is the answer and am so thankful for all of Lucy's friends and family that openly declared their intentions to help us on this journey.
-Kylie
Opmerkingen